Each month, the 'Day in the Life' series offers PACFA members the opportunity to share their personal and professional experience as dedicated Practising & Registered Clinical Counsellors and Registered Clinical Psychotherapists who embody the art and science of holding space for others.
This month, we follow the day with PACFA-certified Practising Counsellor Ellie Rose.
About Ellie
Ellie Rose holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Wollongong and a Master of Counselling from The University of Notre Dame, Sydney.
Specialising in youth trauma and grief, Ellie has extensive training in family therapy and youth counselling, with experience spanning across Australia, the UK, and Canada. Beginning in the non-profit sector, she's led mental health workshops in schools and now offers counselling through her online practice, Cocoon Mental Health. Passionate about education, Ellie trains professionals and undergraduates, fostering dynamic learning environments.
Fiercely passionate about advocacy for mental health awareness and access, she collaborates with publications such as Body and Soul and Harpers Bazaar, conducts workshops in private spaces and schools, and provides in-house training for professional organisations to ensure knowledge is shared outside of therapy room walls.
My Work
Driven by personal experiences in my own childhood, my fire for counselling was further ignited by years working with families and young people in the non-for-profit space, which evolved into my niche today.
I work with young people (spanning 8-25) navigating past or present family challenges, trauma, grief, identity, and life-direction uncertainties. I utilise humanistic frameworks with a Family Systems Theory focus, incorporating modalities of DBT, ACT and creative practices to enable young people to create the fulfilled life they have always deserved.
I run my private practice, Cocoon Mental Health, primarily online, giving me the freedom to blend my passion for travel and my passion for therapy. I offer 1-1 sessions, parenting coaching, workshops and professional development for fellow clinicians.
A Day in the Life of Certified Practising Counsellor, Ellie Rose
6:30am: Wake-up time and breakfast
I wake up and make my breakfast. I try not to look at my phone, but my willpower doesn’t always win.
8:00am: Head to my local beach for a surf
The ocean is where I feel my true self and surfing is a great way to humble yourself. Last year, I made it my challenge to do the things I want to do but don’t do, because of fear. After growing up near the ocean my whole life (but too scared to try surfing and look silly), I got sick of my own complaining and decided to make it happen. It has been my passion and joy ever since. Do the scary thing!
9:00-9:30am: Coffee and a chat
I have a quick coffee and chat with a friend before heading home.
9:45-10:00am: Review client notes
I review my client notes briefly and tune into my own energy to make sure I’m grounded, and consider what this client needs from me most today (I likely did my prep the day before so I’m fresh in energy to go into sessions today).
10:00am: Client sessions
I see clients online from my home. I will generally have some thoughts, intentions, resources or exercises that continue our work from our past session, however, I am generally open and go with what my client needs that day. I set my space up with a hot cup of tea to assist me in grounding when I find client work challenging - also because it’s tea - who needs another reason!
1:00pm: Admin and marketing
Early afternoon around lunchtime is a mix of social media marketing for my business (connecting on LinkedIn, filming and posting on Instagram), writing case notes/invoicing and answering client or parent enquiries.
At lunch-time, I completely switch off technology while I’m eating, and I go outside if I can.
2:00pm: Client Sessions
Two more clients in the afternoon. I am an annoying morning person, so I try to structure my clients in the earlier hours of the day as much as I can so they can receive the best support possible (AKA not me at 5pm..).
4:00pm: Counselling adolescents workshop prep
After clients, I will first finish up invoicing and case notes and try and get to inbox 0.
I have an upcoming PD workshop that I am running on counselling adolescents, so I answer email enquiries I have from mental health professionals about the workshop and update the web page with some more information.
5:30-6pm: Clock off time!
First, I put leftover tasks on my iCal for rest of the week so they’re out of my head for the evening. Then, I choose my ‘wash the day off’ ritual. This is my must-do, self-care, post-work ritual to get into personal time and shake off the counsellor identity for the day. Depending on how I’m feeling, this could include: a bath, a walk, a meditation or writing exercise. It ALWAYS includes a change of clothes at the very least, so I can shift gears from professional to personal mode.
7:00pm: Cook & eat
I cook and eat dinner with my partner, connect with loved ones via FaceTime calls (so I can see their faces, phone calls don’t cut it!).
8:00pm: Travel Planning
I am currently separating my time between Sydney and traveling to other countries throughout the year. Although this is a dream I have longed for, and it is fantastic, it requires a lot of planning!
9:30pm: Winding Down
The wind down for deep rest begins. I journal (particularly if I’m thinking about my workday), stretch and sleep.
Connect with Ellie
Website
LinkedIn